Midseason Check In: Stealers of the Rock
In this article:
The saying, “You are who you can guard” has been picking up steam and is especially true for players who are looking to stay on the floor in big games and who are looking to play at the next level.…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe saying, “You are who you can guard” has been picking up steam and is especially true for players who are looking to stay on the floor in big games and who are looking to play at the next level. Players who have the combo of a killer instinct, a high motor, big time basketball IQ, and awareness of court spacing can absolutely dominate a game on the defensive side of the floor, taking teams out of offense and getting their own intro transition. Today we are looking at some of the steals leaders from around Kansas.
(Not listed in order of SPG)
Eli Isaacs Eli Isaacs 6'1" | CG Valley Center | 2021 State KS , 6’1 Point Guard, 2021, Valley Center (Pictured): As solid and heady a point guard as you will find, Isaacs has a savviness on both ends of the floor that makes him a great lead guard both at Valley Center and at the next level. He currently is averaging 5.1 Steals Per Game in 13 games played. With his ability to score and create for others in transition, being able to cause havoc on the defensive end to get his team out and running is a big time skill to have.
Keagan Dimler, 6’2 Guard, 2022, Hanover: Dimler much like the rest of his Hanover squad, plays extremely hard and gets a ton of pressure on the ball and in the gaps, which has led to Dimler averaging 4.8 steals per game. A lesser known name from Hanover, but the Hanover guard is a really solid player, also averaging 11 points per game on the year.
Emmitt Jueneman Emmitt Jueneman 6'1" | SF Hanover | 2022 State KS , 6’2 Guard, 2022, Hanover: As previously mentioned, the Hanover squad is really aggressive on the defensive end and causes a lot of stress on opposing offenses. Through his time both in high school and on the grass roots circuit, Jueneman has proved time and time again that he is built for that defensive mindset and has the ability and athleticism to really show what he can do. Jueneman has been able to get on in transition on his 4.2 Steals Per Game and show off the bounce getting up to the rim and finishing game changing dunks and tough finishes. His stock continues to rise, also contributing 16 points per game and 4.6 Rebounds Per Game.
Will Rau, 6’4 Guard, 2021, Veritas Christian: Rau is a player that has been a high level scorer for the past couple of seasons, and gets his shot off in his spots with relative ease. The offensive game especially in the mid range game has always been there, and this year he is putting together an impressive defensive season as well. He has a great frame and long arms which allows him to get his hands into ball handlers as well as getting deflections in the gaps. Rau is currently averaging 4.3 Steals Per Game.
Cooper Wolf, 6 ft Guard, 2021, South Haven: A guard who probably does not get the attention he deserves, Wolf has been on a tear this season averaging 25 Points, 7.4 Rebounds, and 3.2 Assists Per Game. He has a nice all around offensive game; shoots it well from 3 especially off of the dribble, can get to the rim with both hands, has a nice float game, and is strong with finishes in transition. On the defensive side though, he has stuck out to me. He is really good at getting up into ball handlers and getting is hand into the ball when they retreat dribble or make a move. The South Haven guard also jumps passing lanes extremely well. He is someone to keep a massive eye out for moving forward. Wolf is averaging 3.2 Steals Per Game.
Makaen Hastings Makaen Hastings 5'11" | PG Salina South | 2023 KS , 5’8 Guard, 2023, Solomon: One word to describe Hastings, electric. The Solomon sophomore has put together a highlight package game after game this season and he has been fun to watch. He is currently listed as #34 in our class of 2023 rankings. The shooting, playmaking, and energetic plays he brings on the offensive end do not tell the whole story. Hastings is not the longest player out there, but he is quick, decisive, and plays hard on the defense end and it has translated to roughly 3 steals per game, and a countless amount of deflections.
Michael Cahill Michael Cahill 5'11" | PG St James | 2021 State KS , 6 ft Guard, 2021, St James: Another player who has evolved from a high level shooter and scorer to also a very solid defensive guard. Cahill has a basketball IQ that is up there with some of the best in the state and he knows positioning’s and where to be on defense on most occasions setting himself up for success on that end. St James has played a blistering schedule this season, but picked up a big win over a very good Free State team, and Cahill showed off the defensive chops in this one making up for a tough shooting night with 3 steals in the win. He is currently averaging 2.3 Steals Per Game on the year.
Trevor Mcbride Trevor Mcbride 6'2" | CG Basehor Linwood | 2022 State KS , 6’2 Guard, 2022, Basehor-Linwood: The best on ball defender on this list, McBride constantly disrupts opposing teams offenses and causes chaos for ball handlers on the perimeter. He is quick both laterally and vertically, is a very heady defender, and has quick hands making him an absolute pest for offenses to deal with. The Basehor guard plays with a lot of intensity and is always a leading candidate for hardest working player on the floor in each game. His defensive ability is top notch. His playmaking ability, shooting, and finishing ability on the offensive end has really started to flourish this season as well, putting together a great package at the point guard position. He is currently averaging 2.54 Steals Per Game